#101 Annadale

member Lester Schoene & President Ted Hussar 

Annadale is a smaller club that meets at a diner.  Today, I did my 2 minute presentation while the featured speaker was a rotarian from  the Falls Church club speaking on a program reaching out to the homeless in Fairfax County  The lunch was a nice broiled fish and the company at my table delightful.

I was surprised by the attendance so close to Christmas they had a full house, although many members were helping out at an event later in the afternoon, handing presents to children.

Meal $12

# 100!!!!!!! Churchland (7600)

I have made it to the half-way point in 100 clubs in 84 days, ahead of schedule, but with the holidays, I had planned to take some time off to work on other projects and spending time at home.

Due to inclement weather, my schedule was altered and Churchland became my 100 club visit.  I was especially pleased to have this club be number 100 as member Bill Pollard has been one of my biggest supporters, as Foundation Chair for 7600,  we have a mutual goal of raising awareness for the final push of the Polio Plus Challenge.

Now I spoke to this club last summer about my previous NID trip  to India, so many of the members remembered me and it was a very comfortable club.  What was special about this day was several members brought their children and/or grandchildren.  Bill's own daughter, played the piano for the club and was absolutely perfect.  At Churchland Rotary Club, A Night Before Christmas was recited to the enjoyment of all.   A couple of Christmas and Hanukah songs were shared with the help of two puppies jingling their collar bells at all the right times.
Then to our surprise Santa came in to greet the children.  Santa did have a slight wardrobe malfunction when his belt slipped down around his feet.
Meal $10

# 99 Blackstone

I was assured I would have the best Fried Chicken in Virginia at this club, and they were true to their word, and the homemade rolls made up for the canned green beans.  At the Blackstone club I was able to reconnect with Chuck & Rebecca Arnason, Chuck by the way was just announced as the 2013-14 DGN designee for district 7600.

This club with anticipation of my visit, dug deep into their individual pockets and offered up a donation of $311 in honor of my 200 Club Challenge, which I was astonished with.  But what happened next nearly blew me away; Chuck pledge to personally match that amount for a total of $622 to Polio Plus.

Another thing I like about this club was the club pennant, it's the first I've seen and no one seemed to know how old it was, but it was in mint condition and is proudly displayed at each meeting.

Meal $15

#96 Crystal City (7610)

This was originally planned to be club #100, but with the holidays many clubs have altered schedules and so, my schedule was changed.  So Crystal City is #96.  This is the home club of our District Governor Ron Marion, and I had the pleasure of staying with him and his lovely wife Rosane. The accommodations were most comfortable.  I was also looking forward to meeting two club members who will be participating in the upcoming Polio NID trip to India next month.

Alas, the two members traveling to India were not present as well as two other members that I am acquainted with.  I had the pleasure to see club member Sue Bentley brought into the Paul Harris Society.  I have absolutely enjoyed seeing members awarded for their commitment to the Rotary Foundation and what that will do to help so many people around the globe in so many ways.  
This breakfast club meets on the 3rd floor of the Crystal City Sports Pub, where the traditional breakfast fare is served.  This morning we heard from Cindy Ann Peterson & Pat Locke (Springfield club) on the upcoming Leadership for New Generations Conference which will be held at George Mason University on March 11th.  Facilitated by West Point Military Cadets this program encourages and teaches leadership skills to middle school students.  At the conclusion of the meeting Cindy Ann came up to me and shared that her brother is a wheelchair bound Polio survivor.  It is inspiring to hear the stories of the Polio survivors and of their resilience.

Meal $15

Member Eric Barr updates the club on the projects in Uganda

Sue Bentley receives the Paul Harris Society Plaque from Ron Marion

Sue is presented with the Paul Harris Society ribbon

Pat Locke of the Springfield club talks about the
Leadership for New generations Conference

# 95 McLean Holiday party

This was my official visit wit the McLean club, I presented to the club about 2 weeks prior to my official start, so this visit I have dubbed the official visit.  The holiday party was held at the" beautiful "  country club.

Arriving with Ron & Rosane Marion we were welcomed by several club members, and were absolutely delighted Thank you President Yarbrough for inviting me.  I must say the food was delicious, no chicken & green beans.  This club leads the way when it comes to Polio fundraising and their efforts to help in the eradication of Polio.  I look forward to being with the club on February 23rd for Rotary's Anniversary and hopefully lighting up something with "End Polio Now".

# 94 Matthews Rock Fish Tournament (7610)

What kind of fund raiser can you do when it's really cold outside, why a Rock Fish Tournament.  The Matthews club has been successful with the tournament for years and this year was no exception, cold temperature and little winds made for a great day of fishing.
Friday evening the anglers came to this waterfront community to sign up and get their boat tags.  It was expected that about 50 boats would be out on the waters.  I was there to help with sign in the boats and promoting the raffle.  One member's wife made bar-b-que with all the trimmings for the crowd.

Angler, signing in

Nice sign

sign in table, IPP Dave runs a tight ship

2nd place winner, that's a big fish!

# 93Bon Air (7600)

Gale handing member Paul Harris Sapphire Pin 

PE Gale & Richard

Jim Minz, Greeter & automatic door opener.  54 years perfect attendance

Breakfast at Joe's Inn, yummy!  PE Gale was walking in when I arrived so it was great to see a face I knew.  This club has many items to note.  The food was great and the variety overwhelming.  Member Richard Cunningham and his pins. If he was younger I would have confused him with a Rotary Exchange Student!  And the Banners they have over 450, which may be more than Alexandria.  This club threw me for a loop when they said the invocation in unison, which was written on the club bulletin.

One light hearted note: The club was recognizing 5 members for perfect attendance....only two were there!!!!

Congratulations to President Cora on the completion on her doctorate in Physical therapy. Member Jim Minz has 54 years of perfect attendance, only missing one day when his wife was hospitalized.  Next year's holiday party will be on Dec 2nd which will also be Jim's 100th birthday....He said he hope that he's there to attend... by the way he is the greeter opening the door for all using his cane.  AG Karin was also in attendance, I'm looking forward to visiting her club, the James River club.

I can wait to come back to this club.

Thank you for the flag.

Meal $10